CAIRO, Egypt: US Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Egypt on Tuesday to advance negotiations for a ceasefire in the Gaza conflict, following his recent meetings in Israel. His visit to Cairo aims to bolster efforts for a truce as part of ongoing international mediation led by Egypt and Qatar.
Blinken’s trip highlights the urgent need for a ceasefire and the safe release of captives.
In his visit to El Alamein, Egypt, Blinken met with President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi to discuss the ceasefire. He is also scheduled to meet with Qatar’s Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, in Doha, where previous ceasefire negotiations took place.
The discussions aim to address the gaps between Israel and Hamas and to build on the May 31 ceasefire framework proposed by President Joe Biden.
Blinken has emphasized the “real sense of urgency” to conclude the ceasefire agreement, describing the proposal as a critical opportunity for peace. Despite Hamas’s public rejection of some aspects of the proposal, Israel has indicated readiness to continue negotiations, with new talks expected later this week in Cairo.
Reports suggest that Israel has introduced additional conditions, including control of the Gaza-Egypt border, which could complicate the negotiations.
Blinken’s efforts reflect a broader US commitment to resolving the conflict and addressing both humanitarian and security concerns in the region.
